San Diego County Records 17th COVID-19 Death, Cases Now More Than 1,000

Apr 4, 2020

The number of positive cases of coronavirus grew to more than 11-hundred as the county recorded its 17th death.

At Friday's daily afternoon briefing, the county's health agency reported that there had been a one day increase of 146 coronavirus cases bringing the current reported total to 1,112. The county also reported the death of a man in his 70's from the COVID-19 virus.

Four employees of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and one inmate in a local jail have tested positive for COVID-19 but the agency did not say whether any of the employees are deputies

Health officials also expanded the public health order to require employees in essential businesses who interact with the public must wear a cloth mask or face covering, The order now includes restaurant employees in take out and delivery. The order already includes grocery stores, convenience stories, drug stores, pharmacies and gas stations. It was going into effect as of midnight Friday night.

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said Friday that there is still a difficult road ahead and that this month will be key in determining how serious an outbreak we see in San Diego County. He urged residents to continue following all public health orders.

Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten said the county continues to recommend that everyone wear a cloth face covering when they are out in public especially in stores and anywhere where people are around. But she urges residents not to purchase or use medical grade masks for themselves due to the need among hospital and medical staff. She said any cloth covering is effective, even a napkin, if it covers the nose and mouth.